EDITORIALS by Saurabh Deshpande

DEFINITION OF EDITORIAL

“Usually a brief article written by an editor that expresses a newspaper's or publishing house's own views and policies on a current issue.”

http://www.businessdictionary.com

HISTORY OF THE EDITORIAL

The origin of editorial can be traced as far back as 1830. (Yaasa, 1996:9) This was the period in which the term editorial was used as a label to designate a statement of the editor’s opinion. The word editorial was used then to refer to an article written by the editor. However, in 20th century, the coast of editorial became enlarged. This was so, because around this period, Newspaper across the world had designated a separate editorial page for editorials and letters to the editor. Also around this period, some newspapers started placing editorial in a left hand page, usually in front of the section.

It is inspiring to note that modern newspapers have expanded, dignified and enriched the editorial page to the extent that it is been used to face lengthier opinions by columnists and guest writers. This trademark is known as op-ed, meaning opposite the editorial page.

Opinion piece written by senior editorial staff Reflects opinion of periodical Evaluates important issues Published on special page Op-ed page is “Opposite to Editorial” page Op-ed page contains opinion pieces by

writers not directly affiliated to the publication

In certain countries (Italy, France), editorials are published on the front page

NATURE OF THE EDITORIAL

Editorial writing belongs to the print media genre. While other opinion pieces like articles, columns and essays are credited to individuals or joint writers, the editorial belongs to newspaper as an institution – a social institution (Ukonu 2005).

By nature, an editorial carries an institutional flavour. That is why in writing an editorial, terms like “we” or the name of the newspaper is often mentioned rather than “I” or the name of the writer.

It is an organizational affair and therefore all the credits or blames accruing from it must go to the institution or organization and not an individual.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD EDITORIAL

Must carry an institutional flavour Language must be plain, unambiguous &

easy to understand by the target readership There is no room for verbosity and

circumlocution. Words & phrases must be exact & precise

Persuasive techniques must be used Must be well-researched Must be based on facts and not speculations

THANK YOU

References -

http://www.nou.edu.ng/noun/NOUN_OCL/pdf/jls%20725.pdf

http://www.businessdictionary.com